Visitor Information

As you may notice on arrival, a large area of the derelict wings of the Jail is now scaffolded as we embark on an exciting £30m development program to preserve this heritage building for the future; introducing a 63 bedroom hotel within both the original prison wings, and upgrading the existing attraction with a new £8.5m Attraction and Education Centre.
Please note that the existing attraction is largely unaffected and remains open to the public 7 days a week, come rain or shine. We have closed one area which previously housed a dozen exhibits, but these have been relocated elsewhere within the attraction.
Furthermore, admission prices have been retained at our 2017 prices with no annual increase planned for this year, and we have added value to your visit by opening a walk-in prison cell within the basement level, creating the Timeline Room, and the Paranormal Room; two brand new features added in 2018 to give you a detailed insight through images and text to the Jails fascinating history, past residents, future plans, and paranormal ‘goings-on’.
We have also recently introduced Jail Guides; a team of knowledgeable and entertaining staff, who patrol the five levels of the Jail bringing the stories of previous residents, and the Jail’s history to life in a fun and engaging manner.
We hope you enjoy your visit!

*Some exhibits may be of a sensitive nature for the younger generation and we advise parental guidance.

Opening times

Our Jail Exhibition, Tearoom, and Gift Shop are open 7 days a week from 9:30am until 6pm (1st Oct – 30th Apr) and from 9.30am – 8pm (1st May – 30th Sept)

Getting to Bodmin Jail

By CAR: Type PL31 2PY into your Sat Nav to find Bodmin Jail.

By BUS: The local bus route will not take you directly the Jail, but drop-off in Bodmin Town; an easy 10-minute stroll away. Check bus times with First Group and please note that buses are only frequent in high season.

By TRAIN: Bodmin Parkway is on the mainline through Cornwall and is situated 4-miles outside of Bodmin Town. You will need to catch a bus or arrange a taxi for the journey from station to Jail/ Bodmin Town.

By BICYCLE: The Jail is situated along the popular Camel Trail cycle route which runs from Padstow, through Wadebridge to Bodmin Town centre.

Parking

We only allow disabled Blue Badge parking onsite; spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Public parking is available within the Bodmin Town Car Parks just a short stroll away.

Fore Street Car Park – PL31 2DB – Pay and display with both long and short term car parking, 16 min walk.

We recommend that all coaches drop-off and pick-up at the bottom of the hill, below the Jail – coach parking can be found at Priory Car Park – PL31 2DQ

Dogs

The Jail is a ‘Dog Friendly’ attraction; well behaved dogs are allowed throughout the Exhibition, Gift Shop, and Tea Room, but not in our Governors Hall Restaurant. We find 11.30am – 3pm is our busiest time during July & August, so you may want to consider this when planning your day out with your four-legged friend.

Accessibility

Regrettably, due to the constraints of the building, we are not a wheelchair or pushchair friendly venue, and those with impaired mobility may also find access to some areas difficult. There are chairs situated on each floor for you to sit down and rest, and customers are welcome to come and have a break in the Tearoom throughout their visit: our Jail Team are on-hand to assist should you need help. We would recommend calling us in advance to discuss your requirements, and please read our Access Within Bodmin Jail , which may help you to plan your day.

Prices

All are welcome at Bodmin Jail – come and enjoy a walk round the outside of the Jail, see the only working execution pit in the UK, and our stables gift shop without charge. For a more in depth look, and to experience our visitor attraction, please see the prices below. All funds generated at the Jail go to the renovation of this important historic building.

Tickets can now be booked in advance of your visit should you wish to, but not compulsory!

Although the main gates are locked at around 11.30 p.m., we cannot accept any responsibility for the loss of valuable items left in vehicles on the premises.

This entire web site is for general information and illustration only. No part of it constitutes an offer or contract. Nothing is binding on any party. Any product or service can be altered or withdrawn at any time without notice. For further information or clarification, please call the Jail on 01208 76292